Affordable Motor Home Rentals Review

Rated 5.0 / 5 from 8 reviews

Editors Review

Last Updated: 10/13/19

A family-owned and operated business who started their business in 1996, Affordable Motorhomes is a smaller company based out of Christchurch, offering motorhomes, campervans, and sleepervans in models from 2 to 4 berths.

About Affordable Motor Home Rentals

This family-owned and operated business in Christchurch has been in the industry for more than a decade. Additionally operating in Auckland, the small size and close-knit nature of the company means that they are able to collect customers from either city’s airport and the surrounding areas; they can also arrange pick-up and drop-off locations for hired vehicles. There’s plenty of flexibility in booking since the family-owned business doesn’t have the strict internal regulations that often force larger companies to deny requests for rentals of less than a week. This high level of attention to detail and strong customer service, as well as truly affordable prices (as little as $33 a day in the low season), has made them a favorite among couples and small families looking to rent motorhomes for trips in New Zealand.

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Fleet

Unusually, all the motorhomes, campervans and sleepervans offered are custom-built within the family business, which appears to be part of what contributes to their low rental cost and reliability. Each model is fully self-contained and certified, which means that you can stay in them in campsites managed by the Department of Conservation, whose guidelines they adhere to, and in sites where there are no designated toilet facilities.  Plus , all motorhomes are diesel-powered so you'll be getting a great deal of savings. There's no need to plug into a power supply to keep warm because the units come with an on-board    independent heating system, together with other important add-ons such as a roof-mounted solar panel and standard linen. Included among extras in all the models are complimentary DVD and CD players and radio systems; picnic chairs and tables, portable BBQs, snow chains (for the winter months) and GPS systems are available for small fees. And conveniently, all motorhomes are part of the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA), hence, all day/ all night road assistance at no extra cost. 

Vehicles

Motorhomes

4 Berth Consort

Affordable campervan hire from New Zealand

A 2007- 2008 Ford Transit gives way to a family of 4. This motorhome is actually the only option for bigger groups with two seat belts in the driving cab and another two diagonal belts in the rear seating area. The queen bed in the rear is quite spacious for two while the over cab bunk with child safety net makes a comfy sleeping place for your kids. As a fully certified self-contained unit, the motorhome features everything you need―private bathroom, comfortable living quarters packed with an entertainment system and full kitchen with a gas cooker, microwave, and fridge.

Campervans

2 Berth Standard (Bed-in-Middle)

This 2 berth campervan is a Toyota Hi-ace model that highlights its double bed in the middle. Aside from that, the kitchen, which is located at the rear side, holds an extendable hand-held tap, which can also be for outdoor use. Because of the vehicle dimensions, the unit does not come with a full bathroom but rather a porta potty portable toilet. Still, you are provided with all kitchen and sleeping amenities as well as a safety net that can be attached to the open storage area with mattress for your baby.

2 Berth Standard (Bed-in-Rear)

If you are looking for a 2 berth campervan with a double bed at the back area, this unit is designed for your needs. This one is relatively the same as the previous campervan, featuring a Toyota Hi-ace model and all essentials of home. Comparatively, the kitchen is positioned at the back of the front seat so that the entire rear acts as the living quarters and sleeping area. 

2 Berth Compact

Another spacious 2 berth is this Ford Transit model now with built-in shower and toilet. The kitchen with sink, microwave, gas cooker, and fridge with ice box is stationed at the back of the driver's and passenger's seat so that the back area is allocated for the rear lounge convertible into a double bed. This one is ideal for those looking for more than space and comfort while on-board.

Sleepervans

2 Berth Sleepervan Estima

For those who prefer small, easy-to-drive-and-park unit, you can have this 2 berth model, which is also a self-contained campervan. An automatic transmission, these vehicles are 2002 to 2003 car refurbished car models converted into nice sleepervans in 2015- 2017. This, in particular, is a Toyota Estima model with a rear kitchen, convertible double bed, radio/ CD player, air-conditioning, and awning for an extended private room. However, do not expect for a very roomy interior. No room for standing up inside or even taking a bath.

2 Berth Sleepervan Alphard

A white version of the 2 berth sleepervan is this Alphard model, which is newer compared to the Estima. These are 2004 or 2006 series Toyota Alphard units with seat belts for two in the driving cab. Featuring 240-volt mains, the unit also comes with another 12-volt house battery that charges while you drive. Because of the size, this one does not come with a bathroom.  

Insurance

The company requires a bond (imprint) to cover the standard insurance of $2000 for 1999/2003 series models and $3500 for 2004/2017 series models. The insurance covers you on all open, public roads. The imprint, however, does not include windscreen and tyres but only single-vehicle accidents as well as overhead and underbody damage. You can reduce the liability to $300 for an additional daily rate of $20 to $30, depending on the age models. An additional of $10/day includes windscreen insurance. 

Reputation

As far as reputation goes, Affordable Motorhomes are known for their can-do attitude and professional yet personal service; on a first-name basis with their customers, they’re reportedly friendly and always willing to help if anything goes wrong. Among other good points, a detailed briefing on how their chosen vehicle works are provided to every customer before they set off. By and large, reviews are glowingly positive; however, the age of the vehicles means that occasional maintenance is necessary, and some customers run into problems in this area on their trips. This obviously isn’t ideal, although, by all accounts, repairs are made quickly and efficiently without extra charges. Some also expressed dissatisfaction with sat-nav and other small amenities costing extra. Customers report that vehicles tend to be meticulously maintained despite their sometimes lengthy mileages and that no matter how many kilometres are on the clock, they run like new. 

Summary

As their name goes, Affordable Motorhomes focuses on cheaper rentals without compromising quality and personalized service. Their fleet of motorhomes, campervans, and sleepervans may not be the newest but these work great, and you can rely upon their dependable staff when the need arises. 

From the Agency

Here at Affordable Motorhome Rentals within our family owned and operated business, we design, build and rent our own Sleepervans, Campervans and Motorhomes, which are all proudly self-contained. They are built to a high standard with extra functional items built in. Our vehicles are built in older well-maintained vehicles, which means we can then pass on good rates to you for rental. Our family base is in Christchurch and we have good agents operating on behalf of us in Auckland. We also will relocate a vehicle for you to other areas of NZ, charges will apply for relocation. Our insurance cover is fully comprehensive, including single vehicle cover and our excess amounts are very reasonable. Starting from the first quote all is personally prepared and given to you with handy practical information for your trip around our beautiful NZ to help make your planning as easy as possible.

Pros

  • Personalized rental service
  • Quite popular in NZ
  • Affordable rates

Cons

  • Some older vehicles with lengthy mileages
  • Maximum capacity of up to 4 persons

Facilities

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Write Your Own Review

Tell the world about your experience renting from this company
A. Brown - avatar not loaded
, Australia
1 Review

"AMH"

  • Reviewed 1 month ago

Wowzers! We were blown away by how simplistic and comfortable the kind and thorough people at Affordable Motor Homes made our trip around The south Island!
Our Toyota Alphard quickly become our second home. It never missed a beat and had no problem tackling all of the conditions the wild south island presents. It was cosy and well equipped with everything we needed and more, without any additional purchases or hidden fees. We definitely agree with all of the positive reviews which led to us choosing A.M.H and strongly recommend you do so as well, as they were very helpful and really showed they cared about us and that we enjoyed our time.
The airport pickup and drop off they provided really helped too!
Thank you Affordable Motor Homes, we wish we could stay longer :)
Alex and Vyv

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value
C. Pooley - avatar not loaded
, New Zealand
1 Review

"Tekapo Holiday"

  • Reviewed 4 years ago

We loved the customer service that was provided. Great little camper that fit the bill for our trip. This is a great company to deal with and we highly recommend using them. Thanks team

5Service 5Mechanical 4Interior 5Value
P. - avatar not loaded
, Austria
1 Review

"Lynda and team are amazing"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

Renting from Affordable Motorhomes was a fantastic experience. In total we rented for 7 weeks, we had a toyota hiace with bed in the middle. In total they have about 49 vans/RV's of different sizes/makes. We were a couple travelling with a 1 year old. Lynda and her team were absolutely amazing, I couldnt recommend them more. Affordable motorhomes is a medium sized family run business and you could feel the personal touch through the entire rental and prep, you get personal attention and she really listens to what you want, flexible with options and not pushy like the big companies. Lynda was very communicative through the whole process, you could literally reach her anytime. She helped to explain options and was very flexible with our changing dates, she even allowed us to pick it up a day later and change res just the day before. She picked us up and dropped us off from our hotel in christchurch, she spent over an hour personally just with us to make sure we understood everything about the van. The van itself was in great mechanical shape, in the 6 weeks we never had a single problem, it was a slightly older model than what you get from juicy or the like, but in very good shape and never missed a beat. It was equipped with a solar panel and LPG heater, we never had to plug into power in the 6 weeks. During the rental she was always available to help clarify questions about the van as we got settled in. We extended our trip by a week and rented a second van from them, the Ford Transit model, we were also very happy with it. One evening the house battery went out at 6pm, as typical with her she was always available. I called Lynda and she was able to get a new battery their by 10am the next morning. I couldnt recommend Affordable homes more, in the end it felt like renting from a friend rather than being just another number at a bigger company. I will for sure recommend them to any friends I know who would like to book a van in NZ.

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value

  • Brand Manager

    Thank you, Sometimes no matter what words I use, it really doesn't and cant express my gratitude for your kind words written, So Thank you again.

Thierry G. - avatar not loaded
, France
1 Review

"Excellent"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

Excellent service (thank you Lynda), old vehicles perfectly maintained and holding their promises like a good wine. Most important an excellent quality/price ratio and the friendly atmosphere of a family run business. Highly recommended.

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value
G. Hancock - avatar not loaded
, Australia
1 Review

"Outstanding"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

Great Van perfect for everything I needed, The Service was Excellent. Affordable went beyond in there service and information. Highly recommend this Family run business.

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value
Jack - avatar not loaded
, United Kingdom
1 Review

"Outstanding!"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

Lynda and the gang are absolutely amazing. Incredible customer service from start to finish, couldn’t recommend them enough

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value
B. Sanchez - avatar not loaded
, Australia
1 Review

"Lovely trip across South of New Zealand"

  • Reviewed 5 years ago

We had such a beautiful experience with the sleepervahn, it was our first time and the owners gave us a few tips for the trip . Lovely people ! It was easy to rent and yes it is the most affordable we found on the net . Will definitely go with them again when we are back in New Zealand !!

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value

  • Brand Manager

    Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us and others, we are really glad you had a wonderful time in one of our Sleepervans and will look forward to seeing you both again.

G. sandford - avatar not loaded
, Australia
1 Review

"south island 3 week trip"

  • Reviewed 6 years ago

we had 3 motorhomes for 3 couples. vans are older and have a few kilometers on them but never missed a beat the whole time. we had 2 manuals and one auto extremely good on fuel usage. pleasantly surprised. minor problem with door handle broken on one van but company arranged for new one that day in dunedin they got the problem sorted out very quickly. highly impressed with allround service and value for money. we willdefinately be using this company again when we come back for next trip.

5Service 5Mechanical 5Interior 5Value